Wellington Regional Trails
A drone shot of Waikanae Estuary Track.

Explore the trail through one of New Zealand’s most nationally-significant native habitats, where you can encounter more than 60 species of birds, along with freshwater and marine fish species.

Walking time

30 min

Length

1.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

0m climb

0m descent

4m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
A grey wooden bench faces a pond in Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve in Paraparaumu, New Zealand. There is tall grass, a piece of driftwood and mountains visible in the background.

About the trail

The Waikanae Estuary trail allows walkers and riders to explore the heart of this nationally-significant haven for native birds and plant life.

The estuary doubles as a scientific reserve and a safe corridor for wildlife moving between the mountains, river, and sea. It provides a unique opportunity to encounter more than 60 species of birds, including banded dotterel, pūkeko, dabchick, and oystercatcher, along with freshwater and marine fish species.

 

A drone shot of three people walking on the Waikanae Estuary Track.

Getting there

  • The trail is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae. The main entrance is on Manly Street North, Paraparaumu. 
  • There are regular bus and train services from Wellington. View timetables on the Metlink website.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website before setting off.
  • Check the track status on the Kāpiti Coast District Council website.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing and durable footwear, along with sun protection.
  • Toilets, water and on-street parking, are available in Paraparaumu and Waikanae.
  • Picnic facilities are available along the trail.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • Keep an eye out for soft sand near the water’s edge. The river’s changing course affects the water table beneath and can create soft sand in places.

Looking for more?

At start of items
A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveHead to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

The Ōtaki River Trail in the Kāpiti Coast.

Chrystalls Bend Walkway

A gentle stroll through native bush to Chrystalls Lagoon, with breathtaking views of the Tararua Range.

Waikanae Beach on a sunny day with bright blue sky and Kapiti Island in the background.

Waikanae Beach

Listen to the waves lapping as you wander along the sandy shores of Waikanae Beach.

A wooden stairway path in the forest in Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

Enjoy a shaded bush walk through nīkau palms, with a stair climb for stunning views of Kapiti Island.

A sign post that reads 'Te Aro o Topapa Wetland Loop' in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkAn easy walk through a remnant forest, home to giant native kahikatea trees, restored wetlands, forests, and sand dunes.

The Ti Kouka loop in Whareroa Farm a grassy trail up a small hill with views of the bush.

Ti Kouka Loop

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveA short, easy loop past Matai Bush to an artistic mini-hut with spectacular views over the Kāpiti Coast.

A dirt path cuts through green grass and hay paddocks on the Greytown to Woodside trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

Two people walking along a swing bridge between two hillsides on the Escarpment track above the Kāpiti Coast.

Escarpment Track

Take in spectacular views of Kapiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline.